Why the push capital punishment?

The Trump administration is pushing hard in its final days for the execution of five convicted individuals. Four black men and one mentally challenged woman are planned to be killed before January 20, 2021. Reports indicate that some have not exhausted all legal options as is normally afforded to those facing capital punishment. This is appalling even to the most liberally minded Christian.

I am against capital punishment because it hinders the miraculous redemptive and transformative power of the gospel for the condemned. If Christians are truly pro-life, then we need to advocate for mercy for individuals sentenced to death, regardless of the grossness of the crime committed. When Christians allow this, we plunge into that same pit of criminality. President Trump has already granted pardons to convicted federal criminals that have confessed to lying to Congress under oath, why not then extend clemency to these five individuals? They too are made in the image and likeness of God. Is this some display of depraved wickedness? Those who remain silent or look away are complicit!

Who Is Responsible?

Today the US coronavirus death toll passed 250,000 dead. Had there been a formalized national approach, how many lives could have been saved? If instead of false predictions that we have reached a curve, why didn’t scientific facts prevail? With almost three months from the presidential election to the inauguration, why has our President focused on improving his golf swing and not on addressing the public health crisis? Who is responsible for the empty chair at the Thanksgiving table? The unclaimed gift left under the Christmas tree? One less family member that will not hear “Happy New Year” on January 1st? What say you, Mr. President? What say you, America? True pro-life, cares for all of mankind from conception to the grave. The blood of too many souls cries out from 6 feet under.

A Look Back at the LES in 1998

This 1998 video is of the Lower East Side and PCC in particular. My friend Julie Huang (producer) emailed me that she found this in DHS format and wanted me to have a copy. You will notice that although the remarks were made over 20 years ago, they still ring true today.